Staplehurst Transits, the fruit and vegetable distributor, has replaced a third of its fleet with Schmitz Cargobull reefers as they proved to be stronger, more durable and capable of minimising downtime.
As the Kent-based company routinely collects from rural locations, its trailers are susceptible to damage from overhanging tree branches; therefore it needs Cargobull’s FERROPLAST panels, which are stronger and more durable than other trailers, meaning that damage will be limited. However, if any damage is caused, FERROPLAST panels can be quickly and easily repaired rather than the trailer side requiring whole body repair.
“If any of our trailers get damaged, we have to take them off the road for some time to carry out repairs, but with Schmitz Cargobull, we can just replace the panel that needs fixing which takes no time at all,” said Darren Goldup, director at Staplehurst Transits.
Moreover, the seven new assets incorporate additional buffer protection under the rear doors to provide extra reinforcement, giving drivers confidence when reversing into loading bays at Staplehurst Transits’ depot in Marden, Tonbridge. The trailers are also equipped with Schmitz Cargobull’s TrailerConnect telematics system, which provides real-time data of the location of each asset and the conditions inside, alerting the operator via text message should the internal temperature fall outside the set point.
Staplehurst Transits is a family-owned company with a 24-strong fleet that has specialised in the national distribution and storage of produce for more than 40 years.
Schmitz Cargobull UK and Ireland is a subsidiary company of the German-owned Schmitz Cargobull Group. With an annual production of some 61,000 trailers and around 6,400 employees, Schmitz Cargobull AG is Europe’s leading manufacturer of semi-trailers, trailers and truck bodies for temperature-controlled freight, general cargo and bulk goods.
The company achieved sales of more than € 2.2 billion in the 2017/2018 business year. As a pioneer in the industry, the North German company developed a comprehensive brand strategy early on and consistently established quality standards spanning every level: from research and development, to production and specialist services such as consulting, trailer telematics, financing, spare parts and used vehicles.
